Playing out - do you DJ for free?

[neonriddims]

Just wondering, do you people charge money for DJ gigs?

Personally, I ask for a fee when I'm playing out. My records don't buy themselves and neither do headphones, decks etc. Also, I feel if the promoter is making a lot of money from a night I deserve my cut. I don't charge for free parties, house parties etc. because noone is making any money.

How about you guys (or girls)?

[wub]

If the party makes money, the DJ should make money - even if it's only covering the cost of travel and a couple of beers.

[pete_bubonic]

If the party makes money, the DJ should make money - even if it's only covering the cost of travel and a couple of beers.

this is the one. I've gone from doing alright on the 'scene' and earning 300/350 a set right back down to fuck all. Always get transport and some drinks covered though, that's just polite.

[vSquared]

If it's a free / charity rave then yes. Else, minimum = taxi & a few free drinks.

Also i've djed for free when b2b mates (who were getting paid) as I'm not actually billed but they ask me to jump on

[apmje]

I'd play for free as long as they cover my travel and gave me somewhere to sleep.

[dubloke]

If it's a free / charity rave then yes. Else, minimum = taxi & a few free drinks.

Pretty much, normally get between £30-£50 a set if I do get paid. I always find it really awkward asking for money after I've said I'll do a set. Started asking how much I'll get before I say yes now

[pete_bubonic]

Not going to lie, me and a few other people in bristol started asking for minimum fees for charity gigs. It's annoying because normal promoters can easily use and abuse certain charity names and events to make running a night cost fuck all and still take a profit themselves (under the name of 'running costs'). Fuck that.

[pete_bubonic]

Anyway, Imma stop talking the big game now, I've been booked 3 times this year for zero moula. woi oi.

[joeki]

Free drinks are a given. Any night we put up DJ and guests drink for free, plus we've always payed the amounts promised and took care of travel expenses. But as a small organisation, who do know quite a few people amongst the four of us, we've managed to get a few good deals over the years and dealing with people personally instead of agents (this backfired only once with Mick J. Harris/scorn).
Helps to have your own venue as well.

I myself play for free almost always (drinks excluded). I play serato so I don't really consider it DJ'ing as such.

[Immerse]

I play serato so I don't really consider it DJ'ing as such.

....i think you should give yourself a little more credit...

[Soiree]

I DO, but I love my local scene and don't feel the inclination to ask to be paid, as I'm fairly inexperienced, after I get Serato, it'll be a different story.

[fractal]

for people & events I love, yes

[danny_scrilla]

To be honest I think there is something severely wrong with playing for free. I mean I understand that you can't charge much when you're just starting to play gigs...travelling expenses, accomodation and drinks should always be covered (ideally a little bit of money ontop of that). There are just too many Djs willing to play for free...and of course some promoters will go for those people instead of DJs who want to get paid. I've turned down a few gigs because of that...and it's not only about the money...it's about appreciation of what you do.

[foxtrot]

^^^^^^^^^^this.
I dont think anyone should be djing for free unless its a house party or there is no money being made on the party.

[apmje]

What about to get ourselves in the door and get some experience?

[wub]

What about to get ourselves in the door and get some experience?

If the party makes money, the DJ should make money - even if it's only covering the cost of travel and a couple of beers.

[neonriddims]

If the party makes money, the DJ should make money - even if it's only covering the cost of travel and a couple of beers.

it's not only about the money...it's about appreciation of what you do

these pretty much sum up my feelings.


The reason I asked is because I turned down a fairly large gig (large student rave, couple of thousand people, the event is already sold out) the other day. I was initially very happy they asked me to play, but when they did not want to give me one extra ticket and free drinks, never mind a fee, I just felt like I was being swindled. Expecially since I know they have a budget of tens of thousands of euros. They seemd to be geniunely surprised at the fact I 'turned down this opportunity' so I wondered: Am I an idiot or are they a bunch of greedy tnucs?

I throw my own parties and always pay the DJ's a fee, they also get guestlist spots and free drinks during the night. Height of the fee depends on the amount of money I expect to make from tocket sales but I like to pay sometinhg, just to show my appreciation.

[wub]

The reason I asked is because I turned down a fairly large gig (large student rave, couple of thousand people, the event is already sold out) the other day. I was initially very happy they asked me to play, but when they did not want to give me one extra ticket and free drinks, never mind a fee, I just felt like I was being swindled. Expecially since I know they have a budget of tens of thousands of euros. They seemd to be geniunely surprised at the fact I 'turned down this opportunity' so I wondered: Am I an idiot or are they a bunch of greedy tnucs?

That sounds like they're taking the piss a bit TBH mate...they wouldn't try the same shit with the security team.


"Excuse me Mr Bouncer, wanna come work at my night? Can't afford to pay despite charging folk on the door to get in, but you can get a mate in for free. Hey, how'd my teeth get all the way down there?"

[scattybeanhead]

lol there's no way i'd ask for a fee, but that's mainly cos im not exactly amazing. i'll always offer to play for free just cos i want to and usually i'll get free beers and something small like 10/20 quid which im very happy with!

[LA_Boxers]

@neonriddims - Yeah sounds like theyre taking the piss a bit there. Should at least be offering you something if theyre making a truck load of cash.

Generally for us its like what everyone else has said. Will generally play for travel/accomodation/beers, but if somebodys willing to pay then we wont turn it down. Most we've picked up is £200 but that included travel and accomodation. So made about £100 after paying out for hotel and petrol.